The PGA Merchandise Show has evolved into comprehensive multi-purpose business platform since its roots in parking lots back in 1954. In addition to nearly 1000+ vendors representing every business sector of golf from market leaders to start-up companies, golf industry leaders will address key issues; attend timely education seminars and share relevant best practices; new golf employment initiatives will be launched; and professional networking will build important relationships.

PGA Merchandise Show exhibits, demonstrations, seminars and special events will be held at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., January 27-28 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on January 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Highlights of the 2010 PGA Merchandise Show:

Nearly 1,000 Golf Vendors

All of the BEST companies in golf including Callaway Golf, Titleist, PING, Cleveland Golf/Srixon, Nike Golf, Fairway & Greene, E.P. Pro, Zero Restriction, Greg Norman Collection, Under Armour, Gear for Sports, Callaway Apparel, Ahead, Club Car, Wilson Golf, Mizuno, Bridgestone Golf, Adams, Imperial Headwear, Antigua, E-Z Go, Cutter & Buck, Polo/Ralph Lauren, Divots Apparel, Yamaha, Peter Millar, Adams Golf, Yonex, Byron Nelson, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus, SkyGolf, Dynamic Brands, Ben Hogan/Sport Haley, Sunice and many more.

Outdoor Demo Day

January 27, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Outdoor Demo Day features more than 90 top golf equipment, training aids, performance wear and golf accessory companies within 100+ hitting bays, practice greens and the vendor village of the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center & Lodge. Demo Day special events, demonstrations and contests & prizes are offered exclusively for PGA Professionals, key retailers and media.

Indoor Demo Days

January 28-30, Show Hours – The Indoor Demo Days at the Equipment Test Center (ETC) are held at the massive indoor driving range located in Hall A of the Orange County Convention Center. The ETC features a scalloped design with 46 hitting bays, putting greens and a multitude of equipment demonstrations.

Education Conference

Career Fair

Connecting qualified industry professionals with job opportunities at some of the most recognized companies in golf, the Career Fair will be staged at OCCC within employer meeting rooms, the PGA Member Business Center, the Allied Associations Lounge, the Executives Club and the PGA Merchandise Show Career Fair Centre, Booth #2173. Review job openings, post a resume, utilize PGA Employment services, attend workshops and apply for positions with top companies like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Golf Galaxy and Billy Casper Golf.

Industry Presentations – PGA Equipment Forum

The PGA Equipment Forum stage will feature the launch of WE ARE Golf, an industry-wide coalition for golf industry representation within U.S. government legislation. Additional presentations include new equipment introductions, women’s golf initiatives, golf employment, teaching best practices, merchandising ideas and more.

Education Conference

More than 65 seminars within the comprehensive education conference presented by the industry’s foremost experts in instruction, management, retail and, now, business categories such as social media, new technology and environmental issues that are influencing the business of the game. Seminars are filling quickly with many now in standing-room only status.

Special Nightly Events

Wednesday, January 27 – AGM Product Preview & Reception – OCCC Room 330A-G

The Association of Golf Merchandisers host the 3rd Annual Product Preview & Reception, featuring AGM vendor partners, an industry reception with entertainment by the band “One Flew South” and presentation of Golf World’s Top 100 Golf Shops.

Thursday, January 28 – PGA Awards Night – OCCC Linda Chapin Auditorium

The PGA of America presents their most prestigious national awards at PGA Awards Night including the First Lady of Golf Award, PGA Professional of the Year, PGA Merchandisers of the Year, plus additional national award winners.

Friday, January 29 – “Elations Rocks the Joint” Industry Concert featuring Kansas – OCCC Linda Chapin Auditorium

The legendary rock group Kansas, which has produced eight gold albums, three sextuple-platinum albums and one platinum live album, will be performing their rock classics. All attendees invited; general admission seating.

Re-Designed Show Floor

With nearly 10 miles of Show aisles, the floor plan has re-designed to add some enhancements for better traffic flow and ease of navigation. Additionally, attendees will benefit from these special areas on the Show floor.

19th Hole, Presented by Full Swing Golf (#2757) Test your skills on a Full Swing Simulator and participate in a long drive and/or closest to the pin contest.

PGA Partners & Allied Associations (aisles 4100 and 4600) Offers access to PGA Partners business solutions, PGM Universities, and allied golf organizations.

NEW Executives Club (aisles 1900 and 2200) An exclusive opportunity for Owners, Employers, General Managers and PGA Head Professionals to experience an intimate business and networking environment on the Show floor.

NEW PGA Magazine Connectivity Lounge (aisle 2600) Build social media marketing value through PGA Professional best practices and all-day access to a respected expert in social media applications.

New Exhibitor Discovery Zone (aisles 3300 and 3800) Find many companies new to the PGA Show in one convenient location.

New Product Center (aisles 3500 and 3800) This is where to find new products conveniently located in one place.

Teaching, Training Aids & Golf Fitness Pavilion (aisles 300 and 1000) showcasing products or services specifically designed for teaching, training, coaching and golf fitness.

PGA Member Services & Events

The PGA Merchandise Show is the largest, single gathering of PGA Professionals throughout the year. Every aspect of membership service is available at the PGA Merchandise Show. Comprehensive PGA Professional services are available in The PGA Member Business Center (OCCC - 4th floor, Valencia Room). Free workshops are provided. PGA Mentor lunches for apprentices and assistants are held daily. PGA Professionals may participate in the PGA Section Short Game Challenge for daily cash prizes to their Section at the ETC. A PGA Member Town Hall with Association Leadership is held. In all, more than 20 MSR Credits may be earned by PGA Professionals for their participation in various PGA Merchandise Show events and programs.

Allied Association Programs

Multiple allied golf associations are staging meetings, seminars and special programs at the PGA Merchandise Show including: National Golf Course Owners Association, Golf Clubmakers Association, Ladies Professional Golf Association, Association of Golf Merchandisers, Golf Coaches Association of America, Golf Range Association of America, National Golf Foundation, National Golf Sales Representatives Association, National Golf Buyers Association, The Golf Event Managers Association, International Clubmakers Guild.

Celebrity Appearances

Many exhibiting companies will host renowned PGA teachers and PGA and LPGA stars at the PGA Merchandise Show. Early commitments include: Paul Azinger, Peter Jacobsen, Hank Haney, Natalie Gulbis, Tony Jacklin and Nancy Lopez. Traditionally, the celebrity appearance schedule formally organizes in early-January.

Show Vendor Specials, Contests & Give-Aways

Hundreds of PGA Merchandise Show golf vendors are offering significant show specials for orders placed during show days; give-aways from their booths and a variety of contests with significant prizes for attending professionals.

Special Events

Many exhibitors and participating organizations will be holding special events in their booths, on the show floor, in meeting rooms, at Outdoor Demo Day and at nearby restaurants during the evenings.

• PGA Show Grand Opening – Special Celebrity Guest – January 28, OCCC Grand Lobby – 8:00 a.m.
• ING Industry Honors Program & 20th Anniversary – January 29, OCCC Room 309A – 12:30 p.m.
• Guinness Record World Attempt for Most Balls Hit in a 12-Hour Period – January 27, Outdoor Demo Day
• AGM Conference – January 27, OCCC Room 330 – 9 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
• GRAA & Golf Range Magazine Solutions Summit – January 27, OCCC Room 110A-B – 3:00 – 8:30 p.m.
• PGA Magazine Merchandisers of the Year Conference – January 24-26, Reunion Resort (Invitation Only)
• Pro-Pro Tournaments – January 26-27, Various Orlando golf courses (Register at www.nfpga.com)
• World PGA Alliance – January 30 – February 2, Orlando (Invitation Only)

Since its inception in 1954, the PGA Merchandise Show has become the world’s most influential golf trade show and the global summit for the business of golf. In January 2010, influential golf manufacturers will exhibit; international leaders will address industry issues; timely education seminars and relevant best practices will be offered; new golf employment initiatives will be launched; and professional networking will build important relationships.

More than 40,000 industry professionals from some 75 countries will source the newest golf merchandise from nearly 1,000 golf vendors within one million gross square feet of interactive exhibit space of the Orange County Convention Center, Jan. 28-30, 2010. On January 27th, the 8th Annual Outdoor Demo Day provides the setting for the world’s largest professional testing event as nearly 90 golf vendors demonstrate product attributes exclusively for PGA Professionals and invited retailers at the 42-acre practice facility of Orange County National Golf Center.